The Real Face of Men’s Health: How Movember is Advancing Gender Equality Through Men’s Well-Being

Monday, 2 December 2024 

This November, in recognition of Men’s Health Awareness Month, HeForShe is proud to spotlight our newest HeForShe Alliance member, Movember, and their efforts to transform men’s health. Movember is at the forefront of advancing research that is supporting men’s health on a global scale. Through the Alliance, this collaboration aims to offer an inspiring vision of healthy masculinities, improve health literacy, and amplify the ripple effect of improved men’s health on families and communities, to advance gender equality. 

Beyond the Moustache 

Since its inception 21 years ago, Movember has inspired millions of men to grow moustaches each November to raise awareness and funds for men’s health. However, Movember is much more than a fundraising movement. The organization channels its resources into innovative research and impactful programs, tackling issues such as mental health, prostate and testicular cancer, and broader social determinants of health—advancing a vision where healthier men contribute to stronger families and communities. 

Here are a few highlights from 2024: 

• Ahead of the Game: Movember has partnered with sports organizations to teach young athletes how to spot mental health challenges; how to talk about it, and when and where to get help. 

• Indigenous Men's Well-Being Initiatives: Movember has pledged AUD $59.5 million to programs addressing health disparities in Indigenous communities across Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA. 

• Gamers vs. Depression: This Movember-funded project uses online gaming as a vehicle for promoting mental health literacy and better social connections among adolescent males, so young men can openly discuss challenges in a safe and supportive manner. 

• A breakthrough in first-line treatment for prostate cancer: LU-PSMA, a groundbreaking treatment for advanced prostate cancer, is extending lives and shows promise for improving outcomes in earlier stages, thanks to Movember-funded research. 

The Real Face Campaign 

Another key initiative is The Real Face campaign, launched last year, which underscores the profound effects of men’s health on their loved ones and communities. The campaign challenges gender stereotypes, sheds light on critical health challenges and encourages men to take action to live healthier lives—not just for themselves, but for their families and communities, showing the ripple effect of how supporting healthier men also means a healthier and happier society.  

Movember’s Real Face of Men’s Health report reveals how poor men’s health has far-reaching consequences. From relationships to community dynamics, when men prioritize their well-being, it creates a cascade of positive outcomes. Addressing preventable health conditions not only improves individual lives and reduces societal costs but also fosters stronger, equal partnerships and a healthier, more inclusive society where gender equality can flourish. 

By tackling health inequities and promoting healthy masculinities, Movember and HeForShe are advancing a shared vision: a gender-equal world where men and women thrive together. Movember’s work exemplifies how improving men’s health fosters stronger, more equitable communities. 

Learn more about Movember’s transformative work at movember.com